Teens who drink more likely to drink by car, drink drinks and smoke in adulthood

Teens who drink once a week before the age of 17 are up to three times more likely than adults to consume alcohol, drink, be alcoholics and use other drugs than their nonalcoholic peers. Christchurch's study researchers on health and development played a key role in the study of 9,000 young Australians and New Zealanders aged 13 to 30 years. They collaborated with researchers from the universities of New South Wales, Melbourne and Queensland. . The results were recently published in the international journal Addiction

. The findings provide the strongest evidence to date on the causal relationship between alcohol consumption among adolescents and other substances and alcohol problems in adulthood. The study found that the frequency of alcohol consumption was as important as the amount consumed, in terms of the relationship with the problems later in life.

Associate Professor Joe Boden of the University of Otago, Christchurch, is one of the authors of the study. He says the study provides solid evidence for policy makers, health promoters and parents.

The study found that early consumption of alcohol, as well as early and problematic drinking, was a good predictor of future alcohol problems. The frequency of consumption related to later problems drank at least once a week. Adolescents who drank at least once a week from the age of 13 were twice as likely as their peers to drink alcohol, drive drunk and to have d? other problems related to alcohol once adults. Those who drank at least once a week before the age of 17 had alcohol dependence rates three times higher than those who did not drink before the age of 17. Smoking cigarettes at 60% adult age Weekly drinkers before the age of 17 had alcohol levels at adulthood almost three times higher than those who did not do not drink until the age of 17

. about 80% of alcohol consumption in adulthood compared to those who do not drink before the age of 17 years.

Professor Boden says the findings suggest that delaying regular consumption of alcohol by teens whole. Public health messages should focus on reducing the frequency of alcohol consumption as well as the quantities consumed, he said.

Professor Boden says the research highlights several areas for possible reform of alcohol laws and policies. According to him, the study surprisingly revealed that there was no direct association between alcohol consumption among adolescents and negative psychosocial outcomes such as the sexual risk. take, early and mental health issues.